Description
Chocolate lovers will swoon over Ina Garten’s luxurious chocolate cake, a masterpiece of rich, moist decadence. Indulgent layers meld perfectly with silky frosting, promising a slice of pure dessert bliss that will delight you from the first heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and meticulously prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Sift together the dry ingredients – flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder – ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until perfectly blended and slightly frothy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Gradually stream in the hot water, mixing continuously to create a silky, thin chocolate batter that looks glossy and uniform.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, gently tapping them on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, cream the unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the frosting reaches a rich, spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are entirely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread frosting across the top.
- Carefully position the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with a smooth, even layer of chocolate frosting.
- Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder to enhance the rich chocolate flavor and provide deeper color.
- Replace whole milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan version of the cake.
- Ensure precise measuring of ingredients, especially baking soda and baking powder, to maintain the cake’s perfect rise and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg